Just in Time: Part 2 – You are probably just not using 'just' enough!

Welcome to Business Fluency - a newsletter designed to enhance your understanding of essential business terms and concepts and provide you with practical strategies to boost your business and career prospects.

In today’s newsletter:

• Just in Time: Part 2 – You are probably just not using 'just' enough!

• Quote of the day: Martin Luther King Jr

• What I’m Watching: How to use ‘just’ in English

• Words of the day: Justice (noun) and Justify (verb)

• Business English: Test Your Knowledge

• Whenever you are ready, here is how I can help you

Just in Time: Part 2 – You are probably just not using 'just' enough!

The many uses of 'just' - Part 2

Introduction

Last week, we examined 6 uses of the word "just". This week, I want to explore another 6 uses, look at 'Just in Time' manufacturing and talk about the 2 important words derived from "just" - justice and justify in our word of the day section.

If you want to remind yourself of last week's newsletter, you can read it online here:

Uses of "just" continued - numbers 7 to 12

7. Emphasis / Intensification

"Just" can be used to add emphasis or intensify a statement.

Here, "just" works as an intensifier, drawing attention to the impressive nature of the sales figures.

8. Exactness / Precision

"Just" can express that something is exactly right or precisely what is needed.

In this context, "just" indicates perfect alignment with requirements or expectations.

9. Fairness / Justice (Adjective)

As an adjective, "just" relates to fairness, equitability, or righteousness in business practices.

This usage focuses on ethical conduct and fair treatment.

10. Conditional Use

"Just" can be used to establish conditions or stipulations.

Here, "just" helps to specify the condition that must be met for success.

11. Expressing Surprise / Reaction

"Just" can express disbelief, surprise, or reaction to something unexpected.

This use conveys the speaker's shock or concern about an unexpected action.

12. Directness / Simplification

"Just" can indicate simplicity or directness in instructions or processes.

In this usage, "just" emphasizes the straightforwardness of what needs to be done.

Just in Time Manufacturing

One of the most important business applications of the word "just" appears in the concept of "Just in Time" (JIT) manufacturing. This production strategy primarily uses the "exactness/precision" meaning of "just" (use #8).

JIT manufacturing is a system where materials or components are delivered to the production line exactly when they are needed - not earlier (which would create excess inventory) and not later (which would disrupt production). This approach was pioneered by Toyota in Japan and has since been adopted by companies worldwide to minimize inventory costs and increase efficiency.

However, JIT systems are notably vulnerable to disruptions in the supply chain. Recent global events have exposed these vulnerabilities:

1. Brexit created customs delays and additional paperwork at UK borders, preventing components from arriving "just in time" and forcing some manufacturers to build costly buffer inventories.

2. Coronavirus lockdowns halted production at supplier factories worldwide, breaking the careful timing of JIT systems and leading to widespread manufacturing slowdowns.

3. Recent tariffs from the USA have introduced both cost increases and administrative delays that disrupt the precision timing required for effective JIT manufacturing.

These disruptions have prompted many businesses to reconsider their JIT strategies, with some moving toward holding more inventory as a safeguard against supply chain instability.

Conclusion

Having explored all twelve uses of "just" across our two newsletters, it's clear how this seemingly simple word carries significant weight in business communication. Understanding these subtle distinctions can enhance clarity, precision, and effectiveness in your professional interactions. Whether you're limiting, emphasising, establishing conditions, or expressing fairness, the appropriate use of "just" can sharpen your communication and help you convey exactly what you intend.

Next time you use or hear "just" in a business context, try to identify which of these twelve functions it's serving. This awareness will not only improve your English proficiency but also your overall business communication skills.

Quote of the Day: Martin Luther King Jr

'Justice' appears in the Word of the Day section below and is derived from 'just.' I saw this quote and thought how applicable it is to various situations in the world today.

What I’m Watching: How to use ‘just’ in English

Words of the day: Justice (noun) and Justify (verb)

Justice - noun - fairness in the way people are treated; the quality of being fair or reasonable; the administration of law

Noun: As a noun, "justice" stems from the adjective "just" and represents the concept of fairness and moral rightness. In business contexts, it appears in discussions about ethics, corporate responsibility, and legal compliance.

Common Business Uses:

• "Social justice considerations are now integral to our investment strategy"

• "Our company advocates for environmental justice through sustainable practices"

Justify - verb - to show or prove to be right or reasonable; to provide acceptable reasons for actions or decisions

Verb: As a verb, "justify" means to provide sound reasons or evidence for actions, decisions, or beliefs. In business communication, this term is essential for explaining choices, defending positions, and rationalizing expenditures.

Common Business Uses:

• "We need to justify our budget allocation for the upcoming fiscal year"

• "The data doesn't justify such a significant policy change"

• "Please justify the additional resources requested for your department"

• "The improved user metrics justify our investment in the new platform"

Business Writing Tip: When you need to justify a business decision, structure your explanation with clear cause-and-effect relationships, supporting data, and anticipated outcomes to demonstrate just reasoning that promotes justice for all stakeholders.

Business English: Test Your Knowledge

Whenever you are ready, here is how I can help you:

We provide Business English lessons and Cambridge and IELTS preparation courses. You can book an online lesson over Zoom here:

You can book a free 20-minute consultation with Iain over Zoom here:

Why not subscribe to our sister Financial Fluency newsletter for English students interested in learning about the financial markets and investing?

Disclaimer:

This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The information contained herein is generic and does not take into account your individual financial circumstances. You should always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment or financial decisions.

Additionally, the authors and/or publishers of this newsletter may hold investments in securities or other financial instruments mentioned herein. These are included for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell such securities or financial instruments.